Looking for instructions on how to set up your new Opticover WiFi Extender? If yes, then you've come to the right place.
Current generation WiFi routers are capable of providing a great wireless network. However, each of them is limited by the reach of your network. There is also the interference factor, which depends on the configuration of your home.
Opticover wireless extenders are available in several variants. However, the best known is the Opticover N300. In this guide, we use the N300 as the tutorial extender. If you have another Opticover WiFi extender, you can also follow the steps mentioned here.
So let's start.
table of contents
Opticover Wi-Fi Extender Wireless Network Setup
Before starting, it is important to test the Opticover WiFi Extender for compatibility with your WiFi router. Opticover WiFi Extender supports both single band and dual band. If your router supports them, you're good to go. Also, the setup process depends on the band you are going to use.
Opticover offers the user connectivity options in three ways:
- AP mode, also known as Access Point mode
- repeater mode
- router mode
With Opticover, you can easily connect to any branded router. To resolve the configuration, you have two options:
- WPS-Touch option
- Login option for the web interface.
We'll examine both below.
By the end of the tutorial, you should be expanding your WiFi network with the Opticover Wireless Range Extender. Plus, the extender works with virtually any wireless router.
Opticover WiFi Repeater Extender Setup WPS Method
If you don't want to make complicated settings and want to start using the Opticover WLAN repeater as soon as possible, you should use the WPS method.
It is an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) method.
To start the method, you need to take the Opticover WiFi repeater out of the box. After unpacking, you need to follow the steps below.
- Connect the WiFi OptiCover repeater to the power supply. You can use any compatible electrical outlet. Setup requires you to connect close to your wireless router. It is also better to turn on the power on the right side.
- Now you will find a switch mode on the side of the WiFi extender.
- Switch to repeater mode there.
- You must now press the WPS button for at least SIX seconds or until the light flashes. This will launch WPS.
- Then you need to go to your wireless router and press the WPS button on it.
- Wait a moment. The Opticover Wi-Fi Extender will reboot and display solid lights to indicate a successful connection. The signal color is solid green.
- Once setup is complete, now is the time to move the Opticover Extender to a central location for better wireless networking.
In some cases, the connection may fail. In this case, you need to make sure that the Wi-Fi router accepts WPS signals. To check this, you need to log into your Wi-Fi router settings and enable WPS if not allowed.
Configuring the Opticover WiFi Repeater Extender web interface
Next comes the configuration of the OptiCover WiFi Extender web interface. This setup is a bit complex and may require some technical knowledge. If you've never worked with Wi-Fi routers before, you might find it difficult. However, if you've followed the steps correctly, you're good to go. Let's begin.
You can connect Opticover to your computer using an Ethernet cable. This will help you access the Wi-Fi extender settings on your computer. If you don't have an Ethernet cable, you can also connect using the default WiFi SSID name. Opticover WiFi Extender default IP address details are on the back cover.
However, you don't have to look for it because we've got you covered. The default IP address of Opticover is 192.168.188.1
You can also access it using the URL -ap.setup.
When you log in for the first time, the login name is ignored. This means you can leave it blank. Now password can be blank or admin, 1234 or password.
Now let's start with the login web interface. The steps you need to follow include:
- Plug the Opticover extender into the socket. Make sure it's close to your main WiFi router.
- Now switch the mode switch to repeater mode.
- From there, you need to go to the Wi-Fi option on your laptop/mobile/desktop.
- There you will see the Opticover Extender's default WiFi SSID.
- Once connected, you can access your device's web browser.
- From there, open the Opticover login page by typing http://ap.setup or http://192.168.188.1.
- The login page will load after a while. Now you need to login with the username/password that you can find on the back of Opticover.
This will open the Opticover status page. The status page displays information such as:
- firmware version
- uptime
- connection status
- wireless mode
You will also see a wizard menu at the bottom. After clicking on it, you must wait for the list of all nearby WIFI networks to be populated again. In the list you should find your main WiFi router.
When finished, click on it and enter your WiFi password to connect. You need to enter the password before you can authorize the connection between the router and the extender.
From there, you need to configure the repeater's SSID. The choice of SSID repeater is entirely up to you. You can choose to use the old WiFi network SSID or a new one. Now you need to click on "Connect" and then click on Save settings.
This will reset the wireless router. If not, manually reset it and follow the next step.
Once you've done that, you can check the status of the extender on the status page. If it is solid green, the connection was successful.
Troubleshooting Opticover with Wireless Router
Sometimes things can go wrong and you are stuck and unable to connect the extender to your router. Because of this, you need to test some fixes to get it working.
- If you are unable to log in to the Opticover Extender, you will need to double-check that you are logging in to the correct IP address.
- Also make sure the wireless router is not configured with a static IP address.
- Make sure you are using the correct username and password to log in.
If things still don't work, maybe try a factory reset of the wireless range extender. To reset, you need to follow these steps:
- Power on the repeater by plugging it into an outlet.
- After booting, you will find a small reset button on the repeater. Depending on the model, there may also be a small hole.
- Now hold down the reset button for a good 8-10 seconds. It will reset the lights. When finished, release it and wait for it to reboot. Factory reset may take 2-3 minutes.
conclusion
This brings us to the end of the Opticover WiFi Extender setup. You should be able to successfully configure your extender using the methods we've shared here. You can also refer to the provided instructions.
FAQs
What is the default password for OptiCover? ›
A: According to the seller (OptiCover) the Password will be either admin or 12345678.
How do I connect my WiFi extender to my router without WPS? ›Locate the Ethernet cable running from your router to your PC, and unplug the end connected to your PC. Then, plug it directly into the range extender. This will establish an Ethernet connection from the range extender to the PC. Step 1A: You can also set up the range extender via a wireless connection.
How do I manually setup a wireless repeater? ›- Location. ...
- Plug into Your Computer and Power. ...
- Open a Web Browser. ...
- Enter the Default IP Address (if you don't get redirected) ...
- Log in to the Web-based Interface. ...
- Select Wireless Repeater Mode. ...
- Choose Your Router's Wi-Fi Network. ...
- Enter Your Wi-Fi Password.
Yes, you will need to reconfigure your extender if you replace your existing router/gateway. You can reconfigure your extender either via WPS connection or using the web GUI. This article will walk you through how to reconfigure your extender with your new router/gateway.
What password do I use for my Wi-Fi extender? ›NOTE: The default password of the range extender is "admin" and the username left blank. If you have changed the password, enter that instead.
What is my Wi-Fi extender password? ›To find your Extender's Wi-Fi network password:
Log in using your Username and Password. Click Settings then Wireless. Under General, look for WiFi Password. If it says Same as existing network password, it is using the same WiFi password as your main WiFi router.
Note: To find your extender's IP address, log in to your router and look for a list of devices connected to your router. The extender's IP address displays in the list.
Why won't my Wi-Fi extender connect to my router? ›If your Wi-Fi extender cannot connect to the Wi-Fi router, then you need to reset your extender. The location of the reset button in the extender may vary depending on the brand. The reset button will present at the back of your extender, and press it for 10 seconds using a needle.
Does a Wi-Fi extender have to be in the same room as the router? ›The ideal location to place the Extender is half-way between your wireless router and your computer, but the extender MUST be within the wireless range of the wireless router. Tip: If you have to use a different location, move the Extender closer to the device, but still within the wireless range of the router.
Can you use any Wi-Fi extender with any router? ›Most extenders should be able to work with any router—you just want to make sure the extender supports 802.11n if you have an 802.11n router. If you have an older b/g router, an 802.11n extender should work also, but may not work as well.
How do I change my Wi-Fi extender to 2.4 Ghz? ›
- Go to Settings > Wireless > Connect to Network.
- Enable Connect to 2.4GHz Network and click Wireless Scanner to find all available networks.
- Select the 2.4GHz host network you want to extend.
The WPS button simplifies the connection process
Press the WPS button on your router to turn on the discovery of new devices. Then, go to your device and select the network you want to connect to. The device is automatically connected to the wireless network without having to enter the network password.
You can set up Wi-Fi extenders with an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. While a wired setup is reliable every time, there's no doubt that a wireless Wi-Fi extender is more convenient. But keep reading to see if wireless or wired is the best option for you.
What is WPS on Wi-Fi extender? ›Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature supplied with many routers. It is designed to make the process of connecting to a secure wireless network from a computer or other device easier.
How do I know if I'm connected to my wifi extender? ›Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable. If your devices can access the internet, your extender is successfully connected to your router.
Does an extender have an IP address? ›NOTE: If your range extender is not yet configured, its default IP address is 192.168. 1.1. Once your extender is already configured you will need to look up the IP address in your router's DHCP table.
What is the difference between a wifi extender and a WiFi booster? ›Compared to extenders, Wi-Fi boosters offer faster speeds and support more devices at once.
How do I find out what IP address is connected to my wifi? ›Right-click the Start button then select Command Prompt. Step 2: On the Command Prompt window, enter “ipconfig” and press the [Enter]. The numbers indicated on the Default Gateway section is your router's IP Address.
Where should you not place a WiFi extender? ›When picking your extender's location, avoid objects that will either reflect the signal (like mirrors or large pieces of metal) or absorb it (walls, cabinets, or masonry supports). It's better if the router and the extender are in the line of sight.
How far should a WiFi extender be from the router? ›Wifi extenders still need to be within a reasonable distance from a wifi router, about 20 feet max, in order for them to work effectively. For homes that are 1500 square feet or under a wifi extender can be a good solution to extend your wifi range.
What should be the distance between router and extender? ›
That's where Wi-Fi boosters, extenders, or repeaters come in. The weakest of these extend coverage up to 800 feet away from the router, while the most robust of these can extend your Wi-Fi zone up to 2,000 feet.
Should I connect to my WiFi extender or router? ›Every WiFi extender will need to be connected and in range of a WiFi router to access the internet. Do not connect one WiFi extender to another, as it will cause one of the extenders to stop working.
Can an extender extend both 2.4 Ghz and 5GHz if the original router is only 2.4 Ghz? ›Some Wi-Fi extenders operate on both the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. If your Wi-Fi router only supports 2.4GHz, the extender can of course still be used, but performance may vary depending on which band is used.
Should a WiFi extender have the same SSID? ›You don't know which network you are connecting to as both share the same SSID. While two different network names will not cause such confusion. Therefore, we recommend you to give your range extender a different SSID when setting it up, so you can choose which one to connect to as you like.
Should I use 2.4 or 5GHz for Wi-Fi extender? ›If you want better range, use 2.4 GHz. If you need higher performance or speed, use the 5GHz band. The 5GHz band, which is the newer of the two, has the potential to cut through network clutter and interference to maximize network performance.
Can you switch between 2.4 and 5GHz? ›Go to Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi. To change your Channel Selection, select Edit next to the WiFi channel (2.4 or 5 GHz) you'd like to change. Click the radio button for the channel selection field, then select your desired channel number.
Which channel is best for Wi-Fi 5GHz? ›...
If using 40 MHz channel width, the bandwidth of the following channel is used:
- 36 - 40.
- 44 - 48.
- 149 - 153.
- 157 - 161.
Step 1: Connect the repeater to a dependable wall socket that should work properly. Step 2: The next step is to enable Wi-Fi on your system and choose your network's name. Then, enter your credentials, such as the password and username You can use the default credentials listed in the extender's manual.
Why won't my WiFi extender connect to my router? ›If your Wi-Fi extender cannot connect to the Wi-Fi router, then you need to reset your extender. The location of the reset button in the extender may vary depending on the brand. The reset button will present at the back of your extender, and press it for 10 seconds using a needle.
Is my WiFi extender password the same as my router? ›By default, the extender puts out its own separate network when you first pair it with your router, and that network will use the same password as your original network, and the same SSID with "-EXT" added to the end.
What is the default password for WiFi extender? ›
Default password of the WiFi Extender is "admin", and it's displayed on the login prompt when accessed from web browser. There's a security risk if you don't change the default password, since everyone can see it. This is very important when you have wireless function enabled.
What is a SSID number for Wi-Fi? ›The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of your wireless network, also known as Network ID. This is viewable to anyone with a wireless device within reachable distance of your network.
Do you connect Wi-Fi extender to router or modem? ›In order for a WiFi Extender to be effective, it should connect to your main router via a wired LAN connection. Most people simply don't do this. An Extender that has a hard-wire connection becomes a powerful access point.
How do I know my Wi-Fi extender is working? ›Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable. If your devices can access the internet, your extender is successfully connected to your router.
Can you use a Wi-Fi extender with any router? ›Wi-Fi extenders typically work with any existing router, so you don't need to replace your router. An extender can substantially increase the reach of your network — positioned in the right place, you can even get coverage outdoors, like in your backyard.
How long should I press the WPS button? ›Note: You will need to press and hold the WPS button on the wireless router for about 2-3 seconds. After a short period of time, your device and the wireless router will be connected.
Why should you turn off WPS? ›A router with WPS enabled is highly vulnerable. A successful attack on your router's WPS function will reveal your network password in a matter of hours – regardless of how strong that password it. Again, there is no point putting a strong password on a weak network.
Should WPS button be on or off? ›On most wireless routers, WPS is enabled by default. The intent is to make it easy for users to set up their network and add all their devices to their Wi-Fi. Therefore, after you set up your network and add the devices you want on your Wi-Fi, if security is a concern, it is a good idea to disable WPS on your router.
What is the difference between WiFi extender and WiFi repeater? ›WiFi Repeater re-broadcasts the signal in weaker signal areas means existing signal strength is weak. WiFi Extender extends the range of existing network coverage area and creates a bigger network coverage area. It is also known as WiFi Signal Repeater. It is also known as Wifi Range Extender.
Is a WiFi repeater the same as a WiFi extender? ›A WiFi extender is similar to a WiFi repeater. However, they work very differently, and WiFi extenders typically offer faster speeds than a repeater. While repeaters simply rebroadcast your wireless Internet, a WiFi extender uses a wired connection with your router to create an entirely new network.
What is my repeater IP address? ›
NOTE: If your range extender is not yet configured, its default IP address is 192.168. 1.1. Once your extender is already configured you will need to look up the IP address in your router's DHCP table.